On Friday, February 16, River State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara hosted the Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for the wonderful performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The governor announced a N20 million reward of Nwabali and also stated that he would be honoured with the Distinguished service Star of Rivers state.
He also gifted N30 million to the Super Eagles’ crew, who were present.
Fubara praised Rivers-born Nwabali for his exceptional goalkeeping skills for the Super Eagles during the recently concluded AFCON, noting that his performance, alongside other patriots, has brought pride to Nigeria.
His words: “I want to join the great and wonderful people of Rivers State to congratulate you, our brother Stanley Nwabali and our wonderful team.
“We are here again in just about four months after you won a local trophy.
“Today, you have brought a national trophy. So, when people say or talk behind us to ask what we are doing, we are achieving those things that are not, maybe, seen physically but they give joy and fulfilment.
“If we have not encouraged you in a way that motivated you, you won’t be where you are. So, it is part of purposeful governance and administrative efficiency.
“So, I want to thank you and assure you that we will continue to do our best.”
Additionally, the governor put him forward for a state award known as the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS), which is the second-highest honor given to people who have excelled in their line of work and is reserved for prominent politicians such as current and previous governors.
In a related development, Fubara awarded the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team N50 million for emerging as champions in the Louis Edem National League competition.